Mammut

Nordwand Light HS Pant

Great all round hardshell pants for mountaineering (and ski): Amazing waterproofness, wind resistance, and breathability. Also it has full-zip legs! I have tried it under rain and snow in PNW and Colorado, never disappointed. I have recommended these pants to my friends and family.

A minimalistic hardshell that is surprisingly versatile

As a Minnesota resident, having some sort of snow pant protection is a must. I began ice climbing this year and realized that my bulky insulated snow pants were not gonna cut it. Enter the Norwand Light HS Pants. Pros: Right out of the box, I was amazed at the minimalistic and thoughtful design that Mammut is known for. These hardshell pants are extremely lightweight and waterproof and the large zippers on the sides make it a breeze to put on the pants over under layers. Mammut has included buttons at the top of the waist to ensure that the pants stay up while you zip the side. They are also easy to remove and stuff easily into a pack if things are getting too toasty. Far from bulky, I really enjoy the way these pants look and do not get in the way of any activity. This is not a breathable garment but that works to its advantage on colder days. I have yet to get wet in these pants and they have terrific windbreaker capabilities too. I have found myself feeling warm enough with just a 200 merino base layer underneath (and that is in single digit weather). I have even worn them throughout a cold office work day since they are pretty comfy albeit swishy sounding. If you are looking to move fast and light, whether it is winter hiking, alpine ascents, or ice climbing, these pants will help you get to your destination. Drawbacks: Buttons on bottom are used to cinch pants around ankles. I have found that it requires care in snapping / handling these buttons. The buttons themselves are very high quality with a satisfying snap. The only problem is if you yank on them you risk tearing the fabric surrounding them. Price. Would I pay the full price for these without my discount? I think that they are definitely worth the money but you will likely want to shell out for a baselayer first. Bright orange is practical from a safety standpoint but the color may put some buyers off. I opted for the navy blue option and think they look great.